Hire your web designer before writing your website copy. Here’s why…
Whether you’re planning on writing your website copy yourself or hiring a copywriter – let’s take a pause for a second, my friend!
Before you begin the writing process, your first step should be to hook up a meeting with your website designer.
Hiring your website designer before you start the writing process has loads of benefits – it will make your copywriting process so much easier, help you stay within your budget, ensure your site is optimised for your specific industry and your ideal audience, and more!
Let’s dive in a little deeper…
Follow a simple framework (you don’t have to stare at a blank screen)
The words on your site need to grab attention (because everyone skims) and take people on a journey – this takes structure and strategy.
The helpful thing about connecting with a web designer before you begin the writing process is that most experienced web designers will provide you with a framework to write to.
This might look like a content planner or a website wireframe – which outline the key pages and sections needed on your website, helping you to know what to write where.
Rather than staring frustratedly at a blank screen, a framework will give you the direction and clarity you need to write and communicate in a way that is going to connect with your ideal audience and make the writing process easy and enjoyable.
All of my one week websites come with a content planner that steps you through exactly what to include on every single page and section of your website.
Click here to learn more about my one week websites and content planners.
Help your ideal audience find the information they need
A framework – like a content planner – doesn’t just make the writing process easy, it also guides you on exactly what features, functions, pages and sections your website needs.
Different industries require different things on a website (for example, a photographer versus a nutritionist need very different features, functions and pages on their sites).
Having a framework to write to ensures that your writing is complementary and supportive to the features, functions, pages and sections your industry requires on a website.
In turn, when it comes time to build your site, the structure of your site will make sense to your visitors, provide them with the key information they need and guide them on a natural journey through the website, ultimately getting your business results.
Stay within your budget
Most web designers charge based on the number of pages on your website, sections on a page and/or word count, so having a conversation with your designer about your requirements and their pricing structure before you begin writing can save you money - not to mention time and energy.
Follow copywriting best practices to get the best results
Writing copy for a website is very different from writing blog articles, newsletters or other marketing materials. There’s a special knack to getting this right, and your web designer can offer you pointers on how to do this most effectively.
While it’s not a web designer’s job to proofread and give you feedback on your copy (that’s a copywriter’s zone of genius!), their years of experience mean that they can guide you in website copywriting best practices so you can expertly draft your words with confidence –– meaning that you get it right from the get-go and it gets you results.
Resources and recommendations to make your life easy
When choosing your web designer, ask if they have any free or affordable resources to help you write your copy, like my Website Creation Companion.
If you want to outsource your copywriting, your web designer should also be able to recommend experienced copywriters for your industry.
My list of my recommended copywriters (and branding, photography and marketing experts) are also inside my Website Creation Companion (all my website clients get this companion for free).
Optimise your website for search
Using keywords and strategy to optimise your website for search is an important factor in helping the right people find your website. Understanding SEO best practices –– even just the basics –– before you start writing can make a big difference in your website being found by the people who need it the most.
Most web designers will be able to guide you in SEO best practices and we can also connect you with SEO experts if you’re ready to invest in keyword research and strategy (which is also good to do before writing your copy).
At Alana Jade Studio, all our designs include SEO basics and best-practices. We also have a SEO expert on hand if you require detailed Search Engine Optimisation research and strategy. Reach out and we can discuss this for your website project.
Creating your new website can be an enjoyable and seamless experience in your business journey, especially if you enter it with the right support in place.
If you’re ready to bring your website to life, so your business can grow, and be deeply rooted in professionalism and credibility… I’d love to help.
Find out more about my website packages by click the button below.